Released: January 06, 2003

Nutrition Education Project Seeks Participants

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University researchers are looking for young adults to participate in a nutrition education project focusing on the fruit and vegetable eating habits of young adults. To be included, participants must be Kansas residents between the ages 18-24 who make no more than $375 a week. Those chosen to be part of the study receive $40 and will have the opportunity to learn some healthy eating tips and receive feedback on what they practice.

"The overall goal of this project is to develop an effective nutrition intervention to improve food choice behaviors in economically disadvantaged young adults, especially regarding fruits and vegetables," said Barbara Lohse Knous, a human nutrition specialist with K-State Research and Extension and associate professor in the Department of Human Nutrition.

Lohse Knous said the multi-state, four-year study seeks to find ways to influence how young adults choose what they eat. Other states involved are Nebraska, New York, Maine, Michigan, Alabama, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, South Dakota and Oregon.

A poor diet has been traced as a factor in the incidence of coronary heart disease, several cancers, stroke, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, obesity and dental caries. Lohse Knous said results will help to reduce the risk of chronic disease by promoting healthy eating.

Statistics show that more than 60 percent of young adults eat too much fat and less than 20 percent eat the recommended five or more servings of fruit and vegetables each day, she said.

"It wouldn’t be that high if it wasn’t for ketchup," Lohse Knous said. "Young adults are a vulnerable group because the transition from parental control to independent adulthood that occurs for most young adults is a critical stage for developing food habits that will affect health throughout life."

Fruit and vegetable consumption starting at this age will have the most preventive potential, and many of these young adults will have families and will model dietary behavior for their children. Early intervention in the status of personal health could lower total costs of health care, she said.

Interested candidates should contact Jodi Stotts toll free at 1-866-36-FRUIT (1-866-363-7848.) Participants answer questions over the telephone about what they eat and may receive mailed materials.

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Lucas Shivers, Communications Assistant
lshivers@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News